[Warning: Buckner bashing ahead.]
Note: stats are from Doug Steele's post.
Team record through Feb. 28: 8-48.
Let me first say that most Mavs fans did not expect (or really want) the
Mavs to be a playoff team this year. This is _only_ the second year of
their rebuilding scheme. A nice high draft pick is what we wanted to
come out with this season and for the younger talent to get experience
and grow. You can argue that the management should have started the
rebuilding process 2 or 3 years ago, but last year was the first year
they threw in the towel and decided to start over. [They started the
'91-'92 season with Roy Tarpley and stupidly thought they could still go
somewhere.]
Having said that, this season has been a big disappointment for the
Mavs. The number of wins didn't really matter, but the growth of the
team did. And at times they didn't look much like a team. A lot of the
blame rests at new coach Quinn Buckner's feet, but the immaturity at
times of some of the players deserve blame as well. This team has the
talent to win a lot more games than 8 out of 56 games and in no way
should have ever challenged the NBA's all-time worst record like last
year's team did (and last year's team stunk - but they hardly had any
talent). Even though I'm a big fan of the team, there is no way I can
look at the problems they've had and the little they've accomplished and
give them a grade higher than a D+. I'll grant them the + based on their
play in the past 3 weeks (and that might be stretching it based on the
Pacer game I attended the 17th).
Their shooting percentage as a whole has been awful. Often, when one
player starts clanking, they all start clanking. I don't even want to
know the number of _layups_ they have blown this season. They are worst
in the league at .426 FG (second worst NJ at .443, best Orl .492) and
lowest in points scored per game at 93.4 (second lowest Det 95.0,
highest Pho 107.9). They have improved some over the pass few weeks
(thanks in large part to Mashburn's improved percentage) and I can only
hope that the rest of the season will be similar to last year's season
end surge. They are fairly good at getting the offensive rebounds and
that fact has kept them in many games. Their turnovers have often cost
them games - they are averaging 16.73 to per game [21st] (worst LAC
17.92, best 13.79). Jackson and Mashburn have got to learn to control
themselves and the ball better - but they are rookies (Jackson only
played about 1/4 of last season) and are still learning.
The team defense has not been solid as a whole, but individual players
have stepped up at times. Another defensive hindrance is that as the
worst team in the league, the players often do not get the respect of the
refs and the either/or calls usually go against the Mavs. (Come on,
Dallas attempted 13 FT, Cleveland 35 FT?) I can easily recall games
where players were doing well defensively and could only play limited
minutes due to foul trouble (Doug Smith, Popeye Jones, Randy White, Greg
Dreiling, and even Donald Hodge). They are first in team fouls at 25.00
(second Mia 24.89, lowest Phi 18.09). But often the players are slow on
defensive switches, double teaming, and simply just lose track of their
player. The one area defensively that they have shown improvement on is
forcing turnovers. They are averaging 17.42 turnovers forced (granted
some of it is just sloppy play by the other team). The Mavs are second
worst in FG percentage allowed at .496 (worst Was .502 FG, best NY .434
FG). They are also second worst in block shots per game at 3.61 (worst
Det 3.59, best Den 7.84).
As a whole, this was a team I expected a lot more out of in terms of team
play, growth, and competitiveness. But I won't complain too much (except
for Buckner) as the future is very promising. They have to strong,
talented young cornerstones in Mashburn and Jackson; plus they will have a
top four pick this season. Including their own picks, the Mavs have 7
first round draft picks over the next 3 season - good for trading or
drafting. Dallas is in so much better position than the Clippers,
Pacers, Lakers, and other mediocre/.500 teams. It is very difficult to
improve a mediocre team - don't have the talent to trade or draft picks
to build from. Plus the Dallas' management/owner isn't likely to make
bonehead moves like the Clippers and 76er's. Although the management
makes plenty of mistakes, they aren't as catastrophic as the ones those
two teams seem to continually make.
Quinn Buckner: My one compliment: I liked his emphasis on defense - even
though the players don't always listen. I don't know if it is possible
for a coach to start out worse than Buckner did. First he clashed with
the team leader and role model (Derek Harper) instead of making him an
ally. Then he instigated the Triangle Offense - which the players did
not like and they became more vocal with their displeasure as the season
went on. And Buckner stubbornly refused to change. He then succeed to
get Terry Davis and Sean Rooks upset at him by not activating Davis, who
had worked his tail off to be able to play this season, stating that
Davis wasn't the best power forward in training camp and by trying to
trade Rooks. After Rooks came off IR, Buckner finally saw the light that
Rooks can play and took him off the market, but the seeds of discontent
were planted. Buckner briefly activated Terry Davis after after the Mavs
were utterly blown out in a game and Davis was literally crying to be
activated. After receiving only limited minutes and never feeling need
by the coach, Davis opted to have season ending surgery on his elbow. In
December, Buckner committed his worst sin and it nearly cost him his job.
Both Jim Jackson and Jamal Mashburn, the team's two cornerstones and
future, publicly lashed out at Buckner for the Triangle Offense and
pulling the players out of the game at key points in the game.
In addition to his problems with individual players, Buckner has
yet to settle on an even semi-consistent starting line up and rotation.
The only player to start all the games he has played in his Jim Jackson.
Granted, there has been problems due to injuries and Mashburn's benching
was disciplinary. But the bench players have no idea how many minutes
they are going to play - if any. Popeye Jones, Randy White, and Lucious
Harris have had DNP-CD in at least one game each. Tim Legler gets
anywhere from 2 to 35 minutes per game and he has publically stated (and
shown) that he performs better when he gets consistent minutes. Fat
Lever is often given far too many minutes for his knees to handle over a
long duration. This last fact might be an instance of Buckner trying to
save his job by winning more games. Lever is the only true point guard
on the team. Some of Buckner's substitutions have completely baffled me
and negatively changed the pace of the game. He has taken hot players
out to rest them and inserted players who haven't yet played in that game
or haven't produced. He has also inserted some, ummm, interesting lineup
that were as productive as one would think they would be.
Now, Buckner has greatly relaxed his stance on the triangle
offense (they run the motion offense more often) and has been more
accessible to the players in the last two months and is trying to improve
himself as a coach, but he alienated so many of his players so severely
that I don't see him ever getting their full respect. For his
improvement, I won't give him an F, but I can't give him higher than a
D-. I don't know if a coach, especially a rookie coach, has ever pissed
off so many of his key players and not been fired. The best thing that
can happen for the Mavs next season is for Buckner to be replaced over
the summer. [I don't know who I'd want instead (but not Rick Barry, who
my dad keeps suggesting) - any ideas?]
Grade: D-
Jamal Mashburn (SF): The future all-star. The talent he has is
amazing. Clashed with the coach and hit the wall really early. He has
shown vast improvement recently in his field goal percentage and over all
game. Needs to improve his defense and his concentration. Has also
shown more control recently in the number of 3s he has jacked up. Will
become the first rookie in five years to lead the rookie class in scoring
but not win ROY. If he improves his shot selection and defense, oohh,
the future looks very promising. Played in 56 games (didn't start 6?)
averaging 37.2 min, 3.2 ast (180), 1.1 st (63), 3.2 to (182), .2 bl (12),
4.8 reb (270), 19.8 pts, .408 FG (415-1016), .299 3ptr (61-204), .707 FT
(217-307).
Grade: B
Jim Jackson (SG, some PG): The general. When Derek Harper was traded,
Jackson became the team leader. Some wondered if it was to early for
this youngster, but except for a few instances, he has shown that he
is quite capable and ready. Since he only played 1/4 of last season, he
is essentially a rookie, but does not get any of the usual benefits of a
doubt rookies usually get. His biggest fault is his turnovers. He
leads the league averaging 4.2 per game. About 2/5 of his turnovers are
wild passes, about 2/5 are passes the players should have controlled
(unexpected, inexperienced, ...), and the rest are common mistakes.
Could also improve his shot selection and defense. Started in 56 games
averaging 37.8 min, 4.1 ast (232), 1.1 st (60), 4.2 to (237), .4 bl (20),
4.5 reb (254), 17.9 pts, .436 FG (407-934), .808 FT (181-224).
Grade: B
Tony Campbell (SF, some SG): Provides some instant offense off the
bench. Traded from the Knicks in the Derek Harper deal. Won't be with
the team next season (free agent, nice salary slot), but is using his
playing time to showcase to other teams. Shown a good attitude about
his situation and is a good role model for the youngsters. Played in 15
games (traded mid-season) averaging 20.5 min, 1.4 ast (21), .9 st (13),
1.5 to (23), .5 bl (8), 2.9 reb (43), 10.7 pts, .461 FG (65-141), .757 FT
(28-37).
Grade B
Doug Smith (PF, some C): Very inconsistent. Has occasionally shown
solid offensive performances, but has completely disappeared too often.
Needs to learn how to _take_ _the_ _ball_ _strongly_ _to_ _the_ _hole_.
Despite his build, usually goes for finesse instead of power. Needs
to improve his rebounding and get some consistency. Played in 53 games
(injury?) averaging 19.8 min, 1.5 ast (81), 1 st (52), 1.2 to (61), .5 bl
(28), 4.4 reb (231), 7.7 pts, .434 FG (172-396), .863 FT (63-73).
Grade C
Tim Legler (SG, PG): Decent backup up shooting guard. Played some out
of position at point guard. A streak shooter. Can shot 6-7 FG or 1-7.
Excellent 3 point range - currently 7th in the league at 40.6%. Has
been plagued by inconsistent minutes from Buckner. Plays better when he
has an idea of the number of minutes he'll play. Good defender. The
Mavs have an option for him next season that they should pick up.
Played in 53 games (flu, DNP-CD) averaging 16.9 min, 1.5 ast (79), .6 st
(32), .8 to (45), .1 bl (7), 1.7 reb (91), 8.5 pts, .454 FG (164-361),
.406 3ptr (39-96), .835 FT (86-103).
Grade C+
Fat Lever (PG): Playing very well for a 33 yr old with bad knees. The
only true point guard on the team. The best thief on the team. Lever
has played a key role in the motivation and intensity of some of the
better team rallies - even though his effect didn't show up in the stats.
Needs to improve his field goal shooting and dish out more assists.
Won't be with the team next year (free agent, nice big salary slot -
hopefully won't retire). Played in 55 games (flu, I believe) averaging
21.6 min, 2.3 ast (124), 1.7 st (91), 1 to (53), .1 bl (8), 3.1 reb (173),
5.7 pts, .365 FG (127-348), .810 FT (47-58).
Grade B
Popeye Jones (PF, some C): A very nice surprise. Keith Grant, Mavs
director of scouting, gets credit for finding him. Only had to give up
a second round pick (Eric Riley) for him. Additional smug points in that
we stole him from Houston. Consistently in the top ten offensive
rebounders (currently 7th averaging 4.1). Needs to put more of those
offensive rebounds back in the hole instead of passing them out. Needs to
also get more defensive rebounds and points. He has very good hands and
can handle the ball well. Been getting less minutes due to Buckner's
playing with the rotation. Started the first 2 1/2 months. Unexplicitly
had a DNP-CD. Needs to keep his weight down and should benefit from a good
off-season weight (as in lifting) program. Played in 55 games (one DNP-CD)
averaging 23.5 min, 1.5 ast (82), .8 st (46), 1.3 to (71), .4 bl (22), 4.1
off reb (224), 8.1 tot reb (443), 6.0 pts, .474 FG (138-291), .714 FT (55-
77).
Grade B-
Lucious Harris (SG, PG): Hasn't shown much as a rookie. Plays a lot out
of position at the point due to the lack of point guards on the team.
Hasn't shown the great shooting he supposedly had in college. Maybe more
and/or consistent minutes would help, but there is a lot of room for
improvement. Played in 53 games (flu, sprained ankle, and DNP-CD)
averaging 15.5 min, 1.4 ast (73), .6 st (31), .9 to (50), .1 bl (7), 2.2
reb (118), 5.4 pts, .405 FG (113-279), .705 FT (55-78).
Grade C-
Randy White (PF, some C): Very, very inconsistent. Has played incredibly
in a few games and completely disappeared in others. Started the first
two months on IR. He is in the last year of his contract, so is trying
to prove he desires another. Based on this year's play he won't get it;
but based on the Mavs current roster, he might get one. Needs to show
some consistency in rebounding, points, and FG percentage. Played in 17
games (IR start of season, DNP-CD couple of games) averaging 18.5 minutes,
.6 ast (11), .5 st (9), 1.1 to (18), .6 bl (10), 4.9 reb (83), 6.5 pts,
.391 FG (43-110), .567 FT (19-33).
Grade C / IC
Greg Dreiling (C): Not quite, but almost a BWS. Gets more playing time
when the Mavs play a team with a bulkier center, else a bench warmer.
Hasn't shown much. Was supposed to be a role model for the younger
forwards and centers. Probably won't be with the team next season.
Played in 46 games (DNP-CD the rest) averaging 12.2 min, .6 ast (29), .3
st (13), .7 to (33), .4 bl (18), 3.1 reb (144), 2.4 pts, .506 (44-87),
.667 FT (20-30).
Grade D
Donald Hodge (C): Wasted space. The only reason he is still with the
team is he over-achieved his rookie season and the Mavs gave him a 3 year
contract. Played in 37 games (DNP-CD the rest) averaging 8.9 min (partly
due to Rook's injury), .6 ast (23), .3 st (10), .5 to (19), .3 bl (12),
2.1 reb (77), 2.7 pts, .453 FG (34-75), and .805 FT (33-41).
Grade F
Lorenzo Williams (C): A pleasant surprise. Brought on as a 10-day
contract and not expected to do much. Recently signed his second 10-day
contract. If he keeps performing the way he has been, he just might earn
himself a contract from the rest of the season. He gets several rebounds
and a few blocks (something the Mavs desperately need) per game. At 6'9"
and 200 pounds, he needs to put on more weight. Played in 8 games
averaging 17.9 min (he started Saturday night against Cle), .8 ast (6), .2
st (2), .8 to (6), 1.2 bl (10), 5.1 reb (41), 1.3 pts, .368 FG (7-19), .444
FT (4-9).
Grade C+
Sean Rooks (C): Been plaqued with foot injuries (actually, the same
injury reaggravated) the entire season. Proved his value to the coaches
after he returned from starting the season on IR. Not an elite center,
but a solid center. If his feet stay healthy, a valuable player to the
team and future. Needs to improve his defense against the bulkier
centers. Played in 30 games averaging 27.8 min, 1.1 ast (32), .5 st (16),
1.7 to (50), 1.1 bl (33), 5.5 reb (165), 11.8 pts, .470 FG (126-268), .727
FT (101-139).
Grade B- / IC
Terry Davis (PF, C): Gets an incomplete for not playing many games, but
deserves and A for the mere fact that he played this season after
shattering his left elbow (he's left-handed) in a car accident last May
- there were questions whether he would regain use of his arm again,
much less ever play bball again. The hardest working and most physical
player on the team. The players and coaches commented on the added
intensity Davis brought with him when he was finally allowed to practice
with the team. Plays good D and rebounds very well, but not much on
scoring. Out for the rest of the season after elbow surgery to remove
scar tissue and wiring and to improve his extension (he could only extend
his left arm 26 degrees). Plays 100% all of the time. Played in only 15
games averaging 19.1 min, .4 ast (6), .6 st (9), .3 to (5), .1 bl (1),
4.9 reb (74), 3.7 pts, .407 FG (24-59), .667 FT (8-12).
Grade A / IC
Dallas Mavericks: Grade D+
patricia